View a FREE sample

This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. Which one of Athena's attributes is the subject of the final Hymn to Athena?

2. What metaphor is made to the sun's journey in The Hymn to the Sun?

3. What does the poem in The Third Hymn to Aphrodite describe?

4. What is Anchises's initial reaction when he learns Aphrodite's true identity?

5. In The Hymn to the Moon, what analogy is made to the moon?

Short Essay Questions

1. What metaphor is used to describe the sun in The Hymn to the Sun?

2. Which lesson does The Hymn to Hephaistos illustrate?

3. How is The Hymn to Zeus written and how is Zeus defined in it?

4. Who is Aphrodite attracted to and what is her plan?

5. What happens when Aphrodite meets Anchises?

6. How does Demeter reward the kindness of Celeus and Metanira and what is the result?

7. Who are the Muses and what influence do they have?

8. What metaphor is used to describe the moon in The Hymn to the Moon?

9. How is Athena's birth described in The Hymn to Athena?

10. What is the explanation of the seasons according to the myths?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Dionysus is given three hymns in The Homeric Hymns.

1) Describe Dionysus's birth and how he is different than some of the other gods.

2) Explain the events surrounding his capture and how he frees himself.

3) Describe the fate of the crew after Dionysus is free.

4) Using Dionysus's story as an example, analyze the idea of transformation vs. destruction as it is included in Greek mythology.

Essay Topic 2

The Hymn to Delian Apollo and The Hymn to Pythian Apollo are the final two hymns in The Homeric Hymns.

1) Explain the difficult circumstances surrounding Apollo's birth, why his mother had so much trouble, and the way that the island of Delios is rewarded.

2) Describe Apollo's search for the place to build his temple and Oracle, including his use of disguises and manipulation.

3) Explain the effects of Apollo's Oracle in Greek mythology and how the poet refers to it in The Hymn to Pythian Apollo.

4) Analyze the use of disguises in Greek mythology in general, using examples from The Homeric Hymns to provide possible reasons for why the gods chose to be disguised when approaching humans.

Essay Topic 3

Describe Hestia's presence and the importance of it as it relates to both the immortal and mortal. In addition, compare Hestia's involvement in Greek mythology with the other gods and goddesses, and explain why she is considered to hold so much power.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 945 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample